Winter Olympic Activities to Try in Massachusetts

Easy Commuter Rail Trips to Skating, Curling, and More

February 6, 2026, marks the opening night of the 25th Winter Olympics, and if you have ever found yourself watching the Olympians and channeling your inner Elle Woods as you wonder, “What, like it’s hard” mentality, now is your time to test your skills! Local rinks, trails, and ski centers make it easy to experience Olympic-inspired winter sports for yourself, all within walking distance from the Commuter Rail. 

While you might not be able to bring home the gold, you will walk away with amazing memories. Climb aboard with your skis, skates, and maybe even a date for a Winter Olympics-themed adventure! 

Easy Train Trips to New England Ski Trails

If watching the Olympic Games has you itching to swap your couch cushions for winter adventure, join in the fun of a classic New England pastime and hit the slopes! Skip the hassle of traffic and opt for a scenic Commuter Rail ride. Whether you embrace the speed of alpine skiing or the endurance of Nordic skiing, you’ll be gliding across snowcapped terrain either way! 

Alpine Skiing with the Wachusett Ski Train  

Alpine skiing, or downhill skiing, is probably what pops into your head when you think of shredding powder. The Commuter Rail’s Wachusett Ski Train makes the ride to the mountain a breeze, so you can glide into a winter wonderland. The ski train runs every day of the week and offers an afternoon of après-ski and Olympic Games viewing! Pick a four or eight-hour ski pass, ride the Fitchburg Line, and catch a 12-minute shuttle ride (about 6 miles) to Wachusett Mountain for a full day of carving the slopes.

Cross-Country Skiing at Weston Ski Track 

If you are looking for a low-impact activity, but still want to feel the thrill of a winter chill on your face, spend the day cross-country skiing! The Weston Ski Track in Weston, MA, is the perfect spot to get your blood pumping in the crisp air. Hop on the Framingham/Worcester Line into Wellesley Farms Station. Once you are off the Commuter Rail, take a quick ride-share  (1.1 miles away) from the station to enjoy outdoor adventure, skiing lessons, or a romantic date night at Weston Ski Track. 

Hop on the Train and Hit the Ice

If you find yourself inspired by the graceful and effortless movements of Olympic Figure Skaters, you’ll find many public ice skating rinks across Massachusetts. You might have to trade the elegant triple lutz for the classic penguin shuffle, but you will walk away from the rink with new memories and maybe a few bruises.  

Frog Pond 

Located in Boston’s oldest public park, the Frog Pond is a well-loved spot within the Boston Common. Nestled in the heart of the park, the Frog Pond is a flurry of activity in the wintertime months, bringing locals and visitors out of hibernation to skate across the iconic rink. 

Boston’s Park and Recreation team offers skate rentals, lockers to store your belongings, and lessons to patrons for a day of fun on the ice. The Frog Pond and the Boston Common are just a short twelve-minute walk from South Station, making them easy to reach from several lines. To easily reach the park, take the  Red Line from South Station to Park Street Station, which is a .3 mile walk to the Boston Common. It’s the perfect spot to meet friends for a Galentine’s celebration or to sweep your date off their skates for a romantic Valentine’s Day date.

Patriot Place 

Nothing says New England like spending a day at Gillette Stadium, and Patriot Place is a hub of wintertime revelry! While you might not think to travel to the Pat’s home turf without the promise of seeing Drake Maye’s quarterback skills in action, you can skate into a day of winter fun at the Winter Skate Rink at Patriot Place. Take the Franklin/Foxboro Line to Foxboro Station for a day that can take you from ice skating to watching the Olympic Games all in one place! 

Important Note on traveling to Foxboro Station: This station is only open on weekdays from 9:30am – 4:30pm with shuttle buses will replacing train service between Foxboro and Walpole. There is no service to Foxboro outside those hours and on weekends. For more information and the latest schedules, please visit MBTA.com/Foxboro.

Curling Within Rock-Throwing Distance of the Rails

Grab your friends or plan a double date with some stakes and skates! Indoctrinated as an Olympic sport in 1998, this game of strategy and precision is one we don’t often get to practice recreationally. While curling is not a mainstream sport in New England, there are opportunities to test your hand and curling skills in Massachusetts! 

South Shore Curling Club 

As the oldest curling club in Massachusetts, South Shore Curling Club, or the SSCC, is a go-to spot for watching games or learning how to play the sport for yourself. If you are new to the game, sign up for one of their “Learn to Curl” classes, where seasoned professionals will teach you the ropes of the game. If you find yourself hesitant to hit the ice, check the club’s event calendar to watch the action unfold! To sweep your friends (or date) off their feet, take the Fall River/New Bedford Line and ride into Bridgewater Station. From there, you are a twelve-minute ride-share drive (about 4.1 miles) out to the fun at the SSCC! 

North End Curling Club 

Founded in 2017, the North End Curling Club is on a mission to teach the community the fun and strategy of curling! You can find North End Curling Club members at Steriti Memorial Rink in Boston’s North End or at Veterans Memorial Rink in Somerville. The club runs competitive leagues and hosts its own “Learn to Curl” events to introduce the community to the sport and expand curling’s presence in Massachusetts. Visit their website to sign up, or just watch their passion come alive on the ice.

Most Learn to Curl sessions are held on weekdays, and while the $10 weekend pass might not apply, it’s still a great way to spend a weekday night. You can take a short walk from North Station to Steriti Memorial Rink (0.6 miles away), or hop off at Porter Station on the Fitchburg Line to reach Veterans Memorial Rink (0.8 miles away).

 

$10 Weekend Pass

Why limit yourself to one sport? Carve out a weekend of adventure or interzone travel with Commuter Rail $10 Unlimited Ride Weekends! With this pass in hand, you can hop on and off at as many stops as your heart desires without added costs or fees.  

Take the guesswork out of your weekend plans, and just take the train! With the Commuter Rail, your next winter adventure is just a stop away.